I’m going to go a little deep with today’s post. Just a fair warning…
About halfway through my run the other day, I found myself closing down my playlist. As I started running sans music, I was left with just my thoughts.
And my thoughts these days all lead to the same conclusion – life isn’t fair.
My immediate family and close friends are fine but it just seems that lately lots of people I know or know of (and let’s be honest, complete strangers I read about on the internet) are being thrown curveballs that can’t be avoided, controlled, or changed. Things that are truly life altering.
I’ve had many conversations with Vishnu, my mom, my sister, and my close friends about why some people have to experience such sad circumstances. I know we all have burdens and problems we carry in life, but something that still puzzles me is why certain people have to carry such a heavy load. And again, a load they have no control over.
And the only explanation I can come up with is sometimes life isn’t fair. However, we have to keep on keeping on. Because as we all know, life does go on. And really, what’s the alternative?
From the way I see it, there is no alternative. The only thing we can do is appreciate what we have right now, knowing full well that anything can happen tomorrow. As terrifying as it is to know that nothing is permanent, it’s also beautiful because knowing this gives us the freedom to focus on the important stuff.
These feelings usually come and go for me. I’ll get lost in my thoughts for days, only to reemerge and operate as usual. But this time it’s different. I don’t want to know all of this and still focus on the things that don’t matter. The things that if taken away tomorrow would only leave a temporary void in my life.
I want to practice what I preach. So from now on, I’m going to work really really hard to be grateful for my todays (not just say or think grateful thoughts but act in ways that represent the sentiment) and to focus on the things that if taken away tomorrow would leave a permanent void in my life. No more sweating the small stuff.***
Life may not be fair, but it is beautiful, and I’m going to soak up as much beauty as I can.
[End deep thoughts.]
***Of course, I’m human and sometimes stupid things will bother me. My point is that I’m going to try my best not to let those thing have such an impact (like they have in the past).
I hope everything is ok. Please let me know if you need anything!
Are you in town for Homecoming this weekend?
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Halloween Wednesday
Everything is fine with me (and my family/friends). Thanks for asking! It’s more people we know/know of that are just facing very challenging times and my heart aches for them. 🙁
And I won’t be in town for Homecoming but will let you know when I am!
It’s always hard to watch others carry heavy burdens, especially when there isn’t a real reason for why. I love this: “Life may not be fair, but it is beautiful, and I’m going to soak up as much beauty as I can.” Thanks for sharing!
Pragati recently posted…Meal Planning, Diwali and Kelly Kapoor
It really is. The why is what I struggle with.
Sending hugs your way, P- hope everything is going well on your end! And you really raised a great point about not stressing about the things that don’t add value to your life. One of the habits I have consciously been working over the past month is to stop overthinking i.e. worrying about the minuscule details in life!
Khushboo recently posted…The Sassy Spoon
Thanks, K! And yes, everything is fine. I guess I’ve just heard a lot of sad news lately and it got me thinking.
I so like this deep thinking – thought provoking post, Parita – love this line “I’m going to work really really hard to be grateful for my todays” – I had very similar thoughts when my dad became ill many years ago – in speaking with with friends and pastors, I have come to realize that stuff will happen and there’s usually a reason for it – sometimes, only the person will know the reason and sometimes that might not happen in our time here on earth – it’s this that helps me appreciate what I have – give my best and put my faith in God for the rest.
Shashi @ runninsrilankan recently posted…Pizza with Caramelized Onions & Beyond Beef Crumbles
You’re so right. I don’t talk much about my beliefs on my blog, but I do believe all of those things. It’s just hard to reconcile what you believe with what is actually happening sometimes.
Life definitely isn’t fair and sometimes it’s really hard to see the struggles that others are going through but I try to remember that sometimes life isn’t fair but it’s unfair in a positive way. People escape situations that they never should have survived, people are given second chances, miracles happen! 🙂 It’s easy to get bogged down with this stuff but it always helps to look on the bright side!
You’re right. There’s always sunshine after the storm 🙂
[…] a particularly deep and heavy post on Wednesday, I thought I would lighten things up around […]
Great post. It’s been something that I’ve been thinking about too. I want to start something where I write down or post something that I’m grateful for each day. True words that we only have one life.
Salma recently posted…Another Part of Me
Salma, this would be right up your alley! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811870197?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0811870197&linkCode=xm2&tag=myinnsha-20
Thank you for a gentle reminder to embrace gratitude. I too find myself stuck in the small stuff or thinking about what I don’t have vs all the blessings in my life. Dr. Elana Miller’s blog has truly inspired me to live in the moment and enjoy the what I do have.
“We suffer not because there is no joy in our life; we suffer because there is joy all around us that we fail to notice.” – Elana Miller
http://zenpsychiatry.com/transforming-difficulty-into-joy/
I’ll have to check out that blog – love that quote!
I have this conversation with others all the time…why am I so lucky when there are so many people (family and friends, as well as strangers) who suffer so much?
I try so so hard to be grateful for what I have. I will try harder after reading your thoughts.
Ameena recently posted…multi-purpose sleeves
I feel the same way, Ameena. I think it’s on us to appreciate what we have while we have it. We all do the best we can!
It’s hard when we hear about people going through difficulties in life, or being taken too young…but it can also be motivating. It’s a reminder that we are mortal and kind of a kick in the butt to get on with why we are here! And I agree, thinking grateful thoughts is good, but contributing something to this world, leaving a legacy is very motivating. Enjoyed your post – thanks!
Agreed! It really is a reminder to embrace life and do good in the world.
Great point Parita! about not focusing on the things that don’t really matter and impact us but to be truly grateful for the things that most matter. Sometimes we get so carried away in the mundane and the hearsay and trying to fit into society’s ways, that we forget what matters most. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
You’re so welcome, Gia! And I think it’s only human to get caught up in the small things but we have to remember that life is a lot bigger than those things.
Life is not always easy, but our perspective & how we get to the other side is what make us who we are! Smile, stay strong & pray, knowing that there is always someone dealing with stuff bigger than yours !! Gratitude is my favorite word, even in adversity 🙂
I try my best to have an attitude of gratitude as well!
This is so true… so often you hear of or read about these stories and it shocks and saddens you! You just have to be grateful for everyday and don’t ever think that I cannot happen to you! Life is too short.
Sarita @ it’s my girls’ world recently posted…Halloween Favourites!
It really is too short. And I guess my thing is I don’t want an outside event to remind me of that. I want to live each day fully knowing that.
[…] Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Sometimes life throws curveballs. […]